City, Philippines
Cebu
The Philippines' second city and the Visayas hub: big malls, good hospitals and cheap flights, with Moalboal, Bohol and Siquijor within reach. The city is congested and not pretty, but practical for long stays.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$958–1,520Comfortable, one person · ₱60,000–95,000Details
- Value for money67/100Better value than 66% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–MayWarmest: May, 32°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$10–32Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, small eateries and island trips.Details
Where to stay in Cebu
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cebu IT Park / Lahug | Nomads and expats: cafés, coworking, condos, nightlife |
| Ayala Center / Cebu Business Park | Malls, hotels, clean walkable district |
| Mactan (Lapu-Lapu) | Near the airport, beach resorts and dive shops |
| Colon / Downtown | Cheap stays, old churches, local food and markets |
Apps that work in Cebu
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: Taxis are fine if the meter runs; Grab is easier for airport pickups. Jeepneys are cheap but confusing without a local.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in malls, hotels and chains; cash for jeepneys, markets, small eateries and island trips. ATMs are plentiful in the city.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Cebu solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.